FREIGHT ON HEMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1982, 27 May 1919, Page 3

FREIGHT ON HEMP.

QUESTION OP REDUCTION. ' “PRESENT TIME INOPPORTUNE.” A protest against the high rates charged on Homeward shipping freights, was recently forwarded to the Acting-Prime Minister, Sir James Allen, by the council of (he Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Particular' reference was made to excessive rates charged on tow and llax, which were so high that it was impossible for producers to pay them. A roipiest was made that Sir James Allen try to arrange some modification of these rales, to which a. reply was received at. Friday's meeling-of the council. This stated that inijiiiries had been made, and Sir James Allen had received advice that the New Zealand Government had no control over the rates of freight charged by steamers from the Dominion Jo the United Kingdom. Prom information obtained from the New Zealand Overseas Shipowners’ Committee, it appeared, however, that the present reduced rates compared favourably with those ruling from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, being based on a line measurement rate of 120 s per ton. It was also pointed out by the committee that at present a large nuiri-' ber of vessels were coming to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in ballast, and that in view of all circumstances it was considered that the presei.it time was not opportune for any further reduction.'